Hank Zipzer (TV series)
A British comedy series about a dyslexic schoolboy.
The TV show Hank Zipzer, a British children's series, was created by Henry Winkler and is based on his and Lin Oliver's book series. Nick James plays the 12-year-old dyslexic student Hank, while Winkler appears as his music teacher, Mr. Rock. The show is set in London, England, unlike the American-set books.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Sitcom
- Creator
- Henry Winkler
- Based on
- Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
- Theme music
- Oli Julian; Nick Foster
- Country
- United Kingdom; Canada
- Language
- English
- Series
- 3
- Episodes
- 39
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Nick James won the British Academy Children's Awards for Performer for his portrayal of Hank Zipzer in 2016.
- Javone Prince made his first appearance as Mr. Joy in series 2, episode 5, 'Hank's Hero'.
Production
The American actor Henry Winkler revealed that neither the Hank Zipzer books nor a TV adaptation could find a buyer in the United States, despite being considered funny. Instead, the BBC picked up the show. After it found success there, Universal Kids Channel later broadcast it in America. The CBBC ordered the series in 2013 from Kindle Entertainment, with filming starting that October.
Matt Bloom directed all three seasons. Nick James played the title character, while Winkler took the role of music teacher Mr. Rock, a character inspired by a real teacher from Winkler’s time at McBurney High School. That teacher, Winkler said, was the only one who believed in him, telling him in eleventh grade, “Winkler if you ever do get out of here you are going to be great.” The first two seasons were shot at St Catherine’s Catholic High School in Halifax, Yorkshire; the third moved to Birkdale High School in Dewsbury, Yorkshire.
For the second season, Jon Macqueen took over as script editor from Lucy Guy and Danny Springs, and Jim Poyser joined as producer. Returning writers included Mark Oswin and Madeleine Brettingham, each contributing one episode, and former script editor Lucy Guy, who wrote two. New writers for that season included Macqueen (two episodes), Mark Evans (one episode), and Adam G. Goodwin and Jonathan Parkyn (one episode). In April 2017, Neil Fitzmaurice, who played Hank’s father Stan, confirmed that no further seasons would be made.
Reception
In November 2013, CBBC ordered a 13-episode series based on the Hank Zipzer books, produced by Kindle Entertainment, Walker Productions, and DHX Media. Henry Winkler announced the show at the 2013 BAFTA awards. It aired three series and a Christmas special on CBBC from January 2014 to December 2016. All seasons are available on HBO Max globally and on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes of Hank Zipzer (TV series) are there?
Hank Zipzer has 39 episodes across 3 seasons.
When did Hank Zipzer (TV series) first air?
Hank Zipzer first aired on 28 January 2014.
More in British Children's Comedy Television Series
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